14 February 2011
Olympic Dreams
Jadene Thomas has landed
the job of a lifetime. She spends her days doing carpentry work on
the biggest building site in Europe: the London 2012 Olympic
site.
Following a three month work experience placement organised
through Lewisham College's links with the Women in Construction
project, Jadene was offered paid employment working on the aquatics
site.
"It's good for my CV; none of my friends can say that they've
worked on the Olympic site," says Jadene. "When people ask me where
I work I think they're expecting me to say I work in a shop
somewhere, not that I work on the Olympic site. A lot of people are
quite shocked, but I enjoy making things and getting hands on."
Jadene is one of an increasing number of young women taking up
trades in what has traditionally been a male dominated industry. "I
think more women should get into construction," says Jadene.
"We need to get out there and show men that we can do the job.
So many doors have been opened for me since going into construction
- it's been the best thing for me."
Jadene's former tutors at Lewisham College Erika Gaidule and
David Gould are delighted with her success. They said: "We're very
proud of Jadene, especially as we have known her since she was 14
when she was coming to the Junior Skills Academy one day a week
from school.
"Through hard work, determination, and self belief she has
succeeded in gaining her qualification and becoming a fully trained
carpenter on the Olympic site in what is a very male dominated
profession.
"Jadene is an inspirational role model - we wish her well!"
Find out more
about studying Construction at Lewisham College here.